In memory of Randy Riley

State Librarian, Husband, Father, Friend, and Leader.

It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing that the State Librarian of Michigan, Randy Riley had passed. Randy has been with the Library of Michigan since 1989 in several roles including as a reference librarian, head of Special Collections, and MeL Coordinator, culminating in becoming the State Librarian in 2014.

In his time at the Library of Michigan, Randy was a key member in several projects and initiatives. He was a pivotal member of the team that oversaw the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and promoting its resources to schools, public libraries, and government agencies statewide. Under his leadership the Library of Michigan redesigned the MeL website and installed discovery search capabilities for MeL. He oversaw statewide database contracts and vendor relations, coordinated the Michigan Notable Books program, was integral in the creation of the SeekingMichigan website, and was the editor of the Michigan Genealogist e-newsletter.

Randy will be remembered as a relentless advocate for libraries and books across the state and country. He will be dearly missed by those in and out of the library profession.

Randy’s passion for libraries in Michigan can be continued through your donation today to the Randy Riley Memorial Fund. Thank you for your donation.